Free printable
The Charleston Cheat Sheet
Keep this next to your rack until the passing order feels like muscle memory. It will, usually by week two.
- 1
First Charleston (mandatory)
Pass 3 tiles RIGHT → 3 ACROSS → 3 LEFT. On the first left you may pass 1-3 tiles blind (unseen, from what you just received).
- 2
Second Charleston (optional)
Pass 3 LEFT → 3 ACROSS → 3 RIGHT, but any player may stop it before it starts. On the last right, blind passing is allowed again.
- 3
Courtesy pass
You and the player across from you may swap 0-3 tiles. Agree on the number first.
Pass these first
- ✓ Tiles from your weakest category (odd ones out)
- ✓ Lone winds you’re not building with
- ✓ Isolated numbers far from your candidate hands
Never pass these
- ✗ Jokers (never legal to pass)
- ✗ Flowers, early on (they’re in tons of hands)
- ✗ A matched pair to the same player
Remember: the Charleston is information, not just housekeeping. What you receive tells you what your neighbors don’t want, and what you pass tells them the same about you.
mkemahjong.com · American Mah Jongg lessons in Milwaukee with Julie Littman · (414) 755-9845
Want the Charleston to feel automatic?
One group lesson and this whole sheet becomes muscle memory. Tiles, patience, and snack recommendations included.